Measured effect of airflow and refrigerant charge on the seasonal performance of an air-source heat pump using R-410A

Larry Palmiter, Jun Hyeung Kim, Ben Larson, Paul W. Francisco, Eckhard A. Groll, James E. Braun

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The objective of this study was to measure the effects of improper airflow and refrigerant charge on the seasonal performance of a typical 10.6 kW, R-410A residential heat pump with a thermostatic expansion valve. Heating and cooling tests were performed in combinations of three refrigerant charges of 75%, 100%, and 125% of nominal value and two airflows of 75% and 100% of rated airflow. In addition, cyclic tests were performed to estimate the heating and cooling seasonal coefficient of performance (COP) at six climate zones specified by Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Standard 210/240-2008. Results showed that, in each climate zone, increases in refrigerant charge at the rated airflow could improve the unit's heating seasonal COP by as much as 5%. However, combined decreases in airflow and refrigerant charge could penalize the unit's heating seasonal COP by as much as 10%.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1802-1810
Number of pages9
JournalEnergy and Buildings
Volume43
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2011

Keywords

  • Airflow
  • Heat pumps
  • Refrigerant charge
  • Seasonal performance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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